And a very warm welcome to you all to the Australian content conversation.

I am especially pleased Senator the Honourable Mitch Fifield, Minister for Communications and the Arts is joining us, and we’ll be hearing from him shortly. Thank you Minister. And our thanks too to Screen Australia and the Department of Communications and the Arts for their support in organising this event.

We’ve called it a 'conversation’ for a reason. Please use these two days to talk, ask questions, put forward ideas, challenge and engage. We want a completely open conversation: we won’t be prosecuting any firm agenda—other than to foster vigorous debate.

You’ll hear a lot of people say this over the next two days: The communications landscape is almost unrecognisable compared to even ten years ago.

Developments in technology across creation, production and delivery platforms have transformed and are transforming how we make and consume audio-visual content. Broadcasters continue to expand their range of content services offering catch-up TV, live streaming and content apps. More and more content is available on subscription and pay on demand services. And the amount and range of free online content of all kinds continues to expand exponentially.

Consumers, whose viewing habits were once determined by broadcast schedules, now determine for themselves when, where and how they watch, and are building their own content libraries. There is a viewing option for every mood, taste and inclination—whenever it’s wanted.